Here’s a question every Michigan business owner should ask:
Do you know exactly who in your firm can access your critical data right now?

And maybe the tougher follow-up:
Do they actually need that access to do their job?

For most accounting, legal, and medical practices across Michigan, the honest answer is probably “not sure.” Access tends to get set up once, during onboarding or system setup, and then forgotten. But that’s exactly where trouble begins.

📹 Watch: Half of Staff Have Too Much Access to Data (Tech Update)

In Big Water Tech's newest video Laura explains why “privilege creep” is one of the most overlooked business risks and how to fix it.

👉 Watch on YouTube

The Hidden Risk Inside Your Own Walls

New research shows that nearly half of employees have access to far more data than they should.
And that’s not just an IT oversight it’s a major business risk.

When too many people can see too much information, the problem isn’t just about malicious insiders. It’s about accidents waiting to happen. A single misdirected email, file upload, or permissions mistake can open the door to breaches, compliance violations, and costly insurance claims.

This kind of exposure is known as “insider risk.”

It’s the risk created by the very people who keep your business running—employees, contractors, even vendors with system access. Most insider risks aren’t intentional. They’re simply the byproduct of growth, turnover, and outdated access management.

How “Privilege Creep” Happens

Over time, employees accumulate access they no longer need.
They change roles, get added to new systems, or start using new tools and no one revokes the old permissions.

This slow build-up is called “privilege creep.”

Think of it like giving someone a master key because it’s convenient and then forgetting they still have it years later.

Even worse? Research shows nearly half of businesses admit that ex-employees still have system access months after leaving.
That’s like leaving the keys to your office in the hands of someone who doesn’t work there anymore.

The Fix: “Least Privilege” and “Just-in-Time” Access

The good news is that this risk is entirely preventable.

The first step is adopting what cybersecurity frameworks like CIS Controls v8.1 and NIST CSF 2.0 call the principle of least privilege. That means every employee only gets access to the systems and data they truly need—nothing more.

For temporary needs, use “just-in-time” access granting permissions only for a set period or specific task. Once the job’s done, access automatically expires.

And don’t forget the offboarding process. When someone leaves the company, remove all access immediately, email, cloud storage, practice management, and any shared credentials. One missed account can turn into a compliance audit nightmare.

Why It Matters for Compliance and Insurance

If your firm handles financial records, PHI, or legal client data, managing access isn’t just best practice it’s a compliance and insurance requirement.

• Accounting firms: AICPA and cyber liability insurers now expect documented access reviews.

• Law firms: The ABA Model Rules link client confidentiality to proper access control.

• Medical practices: HIPAA’s Security Rule specifically requires role-based access and termination procedures.

Failing to manage access properly can lead to denied insurance claims or higher premiums even if no breach occurs.

Keeping It Simple (and Secure)

Today’s world of cloud tools, AI integrations, and remote work makes access management more complex but not impossible. With the right IT partner, you can:

• Automate access reviews and removals

• Track permissions across cloud and local systems

• Align with CIS and HIPAA standards

• Prove compliance to auditors and insurers

The goal isn’t to slow your team down, it’s to protect your data, your clients, and your firm’s reputation.

Because when you know exactly who has access to what, you’re not just securing systems, you’re safeguarding trust.

Need to find out where your firm stands?
Start with your Cyber Score or schedule a discovery meeting.
We’ll help you tighten access, align with compliance, and keep IT simple.